High Field Characterization

Extensive facilities are available for characterizing the electrical properties of insulation
materials used in electrical distribution and transmission networks, including limited
high-voltage testing facilities. The automated instrumentation includes:

Time Domain Dielectric Spectrometer

This instrument can measure dielectric loss and dielectric constant from 10-4Hz to 10 kHz from 70°C to 300°C. It provides one of the best ways of measuring the conductivity of polymeric samples as small as 10-15 to 10-16 S/m over the above temperature range.

Impedance Analyzers

Capable of measuring impedance (dielectric constant and dielectric loss) of samples from 20 Hz to 1 GHz. These can be used in conjunction with ovens to cover a wide temperature range, when necessary. These instruments are often used to measure high frequency loss in cables as well as the dielectric properties of slab samples.

Other Instrumentation

D.C. conductivity tester; Dielectric breakdown tester; Dry arc surface resistance tester; High-precision capacitance bridge; High-voltage surge generator; Wave dispersive x-ray spectroscope; Cable partial discharge locator.